From Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust
Status of Pimmit Barn Issues
8-16-12
Dear Pimmit Hills Resident:
I am writing to provide the status of the options that are being considered for the Pimmit Barn.
By way of background, in 2011, I was advised that the Park Authority had proposed to sell the barn property. Under an agreement with the County, the Park Authority is required to offer its property to County agencies before disposing of the property.
When that offer was made, the Community Services Board (“CSB”) advised the Park Authority that the CSB wanted the property to develop as a group residential home for no more than six individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The proposed group residential facility is a “by right” use under the County’s Zoning Ordinance, meaning that no zoning approvals would be required from the Board of Supervisors.
At a meeting in September 2011, I advised the Pimmit Hills Civic Association of the CSB’s proposal. I also asked the CSB to hold a public meeting to explain to the residents of Pimmit Hills what was being proposed and to answer any questions they might have.
The CSB held a meeting on January 11, 2012 at the Lemon Road Elementary School. Turnout at that meeting was light so we decided that the CSB would hold a second meeting on March 6, 2012 at the Pimmit Hills Elementary School.
Leading up to the March meeting, a Pimmit Hills resident distributed inaccurate information about the CSB proposal. At the March meeting, the CSB addressed his allegations and explained why they were not accurate.
There was a very large turn-out of residents at the March meeting. We had a good general discussion about the need for group homes and, specifically, what the CSB hoped to do at the Pimmit Barn site.
There were many residents who supported the CSB proposal, some of whom placed conditions on their support, and several others who expressed opposition.
There were also some suggestions made before, during and following the meeting regarding other possible uses of the site or how the proceeds from the sale of the site might be used.
Based on the meeting discussions and the CSB presentations, I believe it has been demonstrated that the group home would have no adverse impact on the Pimmit Hills community and that the CSB proposal would help meet a huge housing need for people with disabilities who should be able to live in a good home in a good neighborhood.
I also believe that many Pimmit Hills residents, but not all, agree with those conclusions.
However, other uses have been suggested and, if there is a better use for this site that is financially feasible, I believe it should be considered.
The group home proposal is still an option. If it moves forward, the next step in the process would be for the Park Authority Board to hold a public hearing before deciding whether it would transfer the site to the CSB. I have asked the Park Authority not to hold that hearing while we evaluate another option.
Many residents believe the Pimmit Barn is a special part of the history of Pimmit Hills and the Northern Virginia region. (Although I have not confirmed this, I have been told that it is the only remaining dairy barn located inside the Beltway.)
They also suggest that, if the barn is preserved, it could be used for community activities. While not every old building can be preserved, I agree that it is worth making the effort to determine whether there is a feasible way to preserve the Pimmit Barn and whether preserving the barn is the community’s preference.
Recently, I met with a group of Pimmit Hills residents who have formed a group called “Save the Barn Committee.” They have presented a petition signed by many Pimmit Hills residents who support saving the barn.
We will investigate options for preserving the barn and how it might be used by the community. I will work with the Committee and the Pimmit Hills Citizens Association to ensure that the effort is open and transparent.
In the interim, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
John
703-356-0551
